Woman injured in crude bomb explosion in Gummanahalli Forest

A 50-year-old woman sustained injuries after stepping on a crude bomb allegedly planted to hunt wild animals in the Gummanahalli forest range in Doddaballapura, on the outskirts of the city, on Wednesday.

The injured, identified as Rangamma, ventured in to the restricted forest area to graze her goats when the incident occurred. According to police, she accidentally stepped on the crude explosive, which detonated, causing injuries to her hand.

Hearing the explosion, villagers rushed to her aid and shifted her to the Doddaballapura Government Hospital, where she was recovering.

The Doddabelavangala Police have registered a case under the Explosives Act, 1884, and launched efforts to trace those responsible for planting the bomb.

Preliminary investigations suggested that miscreants had allegedly set up the crude explosive devices to trap wild animals, particularly wild boars.

“The bombs are typically laced with animal waste to attract wild animals. The accused then return the next day to collect the carcasses for meat, either for sale or for personal consumption,” a police officer said.

The officials added that such illegal hunting methods have caused multiple injuries and deaths in the past- both to villagers and domestic animals.

The Forest Department has also launched an inquiry to identify those behind the incident. The officials also cautioned villagers against trespassing into restricted forest zones, saying such illegal activities endanger both human and animal lives.